Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers a fun mix of textures and flavors—from creamy pudding and whipped topping to juicy fruit and soft marshmallows—all combined into a visually appealing pink dish. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires no baking, and brings a nostalgic tropical vibe to your table. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with extra coconut or nuts for added texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 (12 oz) containers whipped topping (such as Cool Whip®)
1 (8 oz) container sour cream
2 (4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
4 drops red food coloring
1 (30 oz) can fruit cocktail, drained
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 (10.5 oz) package miniature marshmallows
1 (8 oz) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 banana, sliced

Directions

Mix base: In a large bowl, combine whipped topping, sour cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and red food coloring. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
Add fruit and extras: Gently fold in the drained fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and banana slices. Take care not to break up the fruit.
Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 3 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pudding to set.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 3–4 hours
Total time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra tropical flavor and crunch.
Substitute or add other fruits like mango, kiwi, or grapes for more variety.
Use flavored pudding mixes such as coconut or banana for a twist on the classic vanilla base.
Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier and slightly healthier option.
Make it dairy-free by using coconut whipped topping and dairy-free pudding mixes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that bananas may brown slightly over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh within that period. This salad is served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

What is Hawaiian Fluff Salad?

It’s a creamy, fruity salad made with whipped topping, pudding, various canned and fresh fruits, and mini marshmallows, often tinted pink for a tropical look.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it should be chilled for 3 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the pudding to set.

How long does this salad keep?

It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the banana slices may brown over time.

Can I use fresh fruit only?

You can use fresh fruit, but canned fruit adds a characteristic sweetness and juiciness that complements the texture and flavor.

Can I omit the food coloring?

Yes, the food coloring is optional and mainly used for a fun pink hue. The salad will still taste delicious without it.

Is this recipe vegan?

No, it contains dairy products like whipped topping and sour cream. You can use vegan alternatives to make it plant-based.

Can I freeze Hawaiian Fluff Salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change and the fruits may become mushy after thawing.

What can I add to make it more tropical?

Try adding shredded coconut, chopped macadamia nuts, or tropical fruits like mango or passion fruit.

Can I replace the pudding mix?

Vanilla instant pudding is best, but you can experiment with coconut, banana, or other flavored instant pudding mixes for variety.

What occasions is this salad good for?

It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, summer parties, or any casual get-together that calls for a light, sweet dessert.

Conclusion

Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that brings a burst of tropical flavors and creamy textures to your table. Its no-bake nature and colorful presentation make it an ideal dish for warm weather gatherings or anytime you want a fun and fruity treat. With simple ingredients and flexible variations, it’s sure to become a favorite crowd-pleaser.

Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad

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Chris’s Hawaiian Fluff Salad is a creamy, fruity, and colorful no-bake dessert combining whipped topping, pudding, fresh and canned fruits, and mini marshmallows for a tropical, sweet, and refreshing treat.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake, mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine whipped topping, sour cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, and red food coloring. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
Gently fold in drained fruit cocktail, pineapple chunks, mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, strawberries, and banana slices without breaking up the fruit.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 3 to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and pudding to set.